Abstract: A prepayment system for dispensing utilities using mag-stripe cards is disclosed wherein an accounting computer in a central office is used in conjunction with point-of-sale machines for encrypting a value message which is written onto the mag-stripe of a mag-stripe card. The value message contains information relating to the amount of utilities purchased by the customer, the utility rates, the site identification number, and a unique password formed by the site number, a hidden number, and the transaction number. The mag-stripe card is carried by mail or in person to the consumer's home or office and inserted into a mag-stripe card reader attached to microprocessor-based utility control device. This utility control device is capable of reading and decoding the mag-stripe card and storing the value information into memory for use in monitoring the utility usage of the customer and disconnecting or connecting the utility based on the amount of utilities purchased.

Abstract: A mechanically-latching disconnect switch between an electric meter and an electric meter socket permits key controlled disconnections and connections of electric service at the customer location. The disconnect switch is contained in a housing, which contains a key-activated switch. A key may be inserted into a weather-protected slot of the housing. By turning the key in one direction or the other, thereby activating a solenoid connected to the key-activated switch, the solenoid alternately opens and closes the disconnect switch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a card activated prepayment and metering systgem for the sale of a utility service. Distributors are sold bulk sevice credits which they then resell in smaller quantities to individual customers. Customers are issued magnetic striped cards upon which information may be stored and from which information may be retrieved. Distributors issue credits on the cards which are later read by a customer's home terminal. Periodically, credit information is dumped from the distributor's terminal to a central computer. Similarly, audit information is periodically read and dumped from a customer's terminal to the central computer. The computer controls each customer's terminal through information broadcast over an FM transmitter, which is received by a receiver in each customer's terminal.